Chitinase for the Garden
Karen Have you heard of chitinase? It is a naturally occurring substance that has potential for preventing or reversing disease in plants. You may be using chitinase right now to fight…
Weeds and Their Control: Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)
Black medic is an annual or short lived perennial weed that is actually beneficial. Its roots have the ability to take nitrogen from the air and put it in the…
Weeds and Their Control: Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)
A native of Europe, annual bluegrass is widespread in the United States occurring in all states including Alaska and Hawaii In mild climates it grows from fall to spring and…
Weeds and Their Control: Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
Tall buttercup is a perennial weed native to central and northeastern Europe and is now found in most of the United States where it is considered a noxious weed in…
Weeds and Their Control: Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Also known as creeping Charlie, ground ivy is native of Europe and Asia that was brought to North America by early settlers for its medicinal and culinary value. It has…
Garden Pests: Chipmunks and Their Control
Chipmunks can be an amusing asset to a garden. Their small size, attractive coloration and frenetic search for food make them very entertaining as they dash around stopping only to…
Weeds and Their Control: Poorjoe/Common Buttonwood (Diodia teres)
Unlike its close relative, Virginia buttonweed, Poorjoe is an annual and prefers a somewhat dryer site and greater distribution. It is a native of Eastern United States and is now…
Beneficial Arachnida and How to Attract Them: Wolf Spiders
If you have seen a large, hairy spider with long legs in your garden it might be a wolf spider. Actually wolf spider refers to a family of spiders and…
Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and How to Control Them
Sometimes a plant wilts easily, has a yellow appearance, fails to grow properly, and slowly dies. No signs of insect or fungal damage can be seen; fertilizing and watering does…
Weeds and Their Control: Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)
Although native to Europe and western Asia, curly dock is a perennial weed that has naturalized throughout North America and become invasive in some areas. It prefers rich, moist, heavy…